Tamari in Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh
We tried a new restaurant in Lawrenceville last night, Tamari, that just opened up last week. It was excellent! The place is modern on the inside, low light, sparse decoration, and has bar seats that overlook the open kitchen (plus tables). We ordered a combination plate of "robata", which seemed basically like yakatori -- it included chicken, beef, calamari, shrimp, portobello mushroom, zucchini, bacon-wrapped quail egg and three different dipping sauces. Delicious, especially the quail egg. Then we had salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and eel nigiri and a specialty maki -- "The Tropical", with mango, tuna, salmon, and jalapeno. All the sushi was tasty, fresh, large pieces. The whole meal was very reasonably priced -- about $30 a person including the food above, two drinks, and tip. We didn't get to try the entrees, but they looked and smelled amazing (we peered over to other tables) and were all $12 - $17. The places was bustling, the service was good, and overall, we had a great experience. Here's their website: http://www.tamaripgh.com/
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Thanks for the report. I passed by this place about two weeks ago before it was open and I loved all the outdoor seating. I will have to try it!
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re: shadysider023
Went to Tamari last night. It was packed and I think they were having some issues with that. Food was coming out inconsistently and the staff were overwhelmed (especially the bartender). We had the cerviche, which was very good-those the tostone didn't seem necessary. The duck quesadilla was very tasty and hoisin was just right. We also had the lamb which was seasoned well but the plate was a bit of a mishmash with sweet potato puree and cliantro mint chimchurri The flavor combination was interesting but it looked a bit messy on the plate. We also had the sea bass--which was cooked nicely and the chipolte mashed potatoes were tasty. They had a definite bite but not too hot to overwhelm the fish.
Since they just opened, staffing and timing issues are to be expected.I just wonder however, since the kitchen space is small, whether they will be able to keep up the pace (since there is both indoor and outdoor seating). Overall, it was very good, and we definitely will be back.
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